The beautiful spaces of Danish architecture firm Norm may have a minimalist aesthetic, but, unlike some modern homes, their work has a warm and very human quality, too. In these rooms, the abundance of natural light warms the rich textures of wood and stone, making these serene spaces sympathetic and welcoming to the people who live in them.

When Lori invited me to contribute to her new Design Canada feature, I was both honored and excited to share some of my favourite finds by home-grown and innovative talent. Canadian designers are a humble bunch and their work deserves to be spotlighted and celebrated. So here’s my shout out!

Gregory Kenny, from Kilowatt Studio, has taken a fresh look at the concept of an everyday object - the bowl – and transformed it into a meticulously crafted art piece: The Slice Shelf. A curvaceous back, in black walnut or white oak, is sliced through by a lacquered mdf shelf. Neither one can stand alone. But together their possibilities are endless.

Attention to detail, use of indigenous North American species, rigorous process of research and design are all trademarks of Gregory’s work. All of his pieces are hand-crafted in his Vancouver studio. Turning function into beauty seems to come naturally to this visionary Canadian designer. Simply put? His work is breathtaking.

Thanks so much to Lise of Modern Karibou for her wonderful guest post about great Canadian design!